A message from our Principal
Dear St. Brendan's School Community,
The year is rapidly coming to an end. The last two years have been challenging for students, staff and our school community.
During this time, we have missed face to face contact with families and events we couldn't undertake. We also had different ways of learning, with Remote learning and Google meets. We missed our family and friends in lockdown, and also know families faced very difficult times when their child/children tested positive to COVID.
On the positive side, we have seen our children become more resilient over these years. Children adapted to Remote learning and teachers. We all realised that slowing down isn't a bad thing, and to prioritise what is important. We were also reminded of what was most important in our lives, which was being with family and friends.
We hope that with vaccinations coming in for 5-11 year olds, we will experience a lot better year.
Mrs Sally Mills
We farewell Sally Mills, our much loved Deputy Principal. Sally has been at St. Brendan's for 26 years. Sally's contribution to our school has been enormous.
Sally is extremely professional in all she does; work ethic, knowledge of Curriculum, working with Staff, families, dress and her lovely welcoming manner at the gate or courtyard each day.
Sally has undertaken lots of development with staff, at meetings or at Professional Learning Communities. Sally has undertaken the huge role of NCCD - documentation and support for children that need adjustments in accessing the Curriculum.
Sally has been instrumental in organising the Learning Enrichment Centre with Social Skill programs, Downtime, and Speech Pathology visits.
Sally has worked with Heather Woodman (Reading Recovery Teacher) in upskilling the Tutors for Literacy this year.
Personally, Sally is a great support and friend to me. Sally has shown her love for our school in everything she does.
The staff and children will miss her, and we wish her happiness and health in her retirement and an enjoyable time with her family.
"A truly
Great teacher
is hard to find,
difficult to part with
and impossible to forget"
Farewell
We also thank and say goodbye to the following teachers. We wish them every best wish in their teaching career.
Our school has been richer for having these teachers at St. Brendan's.
- Nick Iorianni (Year 5/6) - Nick will be teaching at Moama Anglican Grammar
- Alicia Osborne (Mentiplay) (Year 1/2) - Alicia will be moving to live in Bendigo with her husband Henry, and teaching at St. Francis of the Field, Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo.
- Madi Anderson (Foundation/1) - Madi will be moving back to Melbourne to be closer to family and friends and teaching at St. Brigid's, Healesville.
- Jack Threlfall (Year 5/6) - Jack will be teaching at Berry Street next year.
- Josephine Nsele-Tampwo - Josephine was working in the Library and has finished to continue her work in Aged Care.
Thank you
I would like to thank all the staff.
The Leadership Staff of Sally Mills, Leanne Pellegrino, Jack Threlfall, John Howley and Joel Brian for their work, dedication and support.
To Jo and Kim for their amazing support, work and lovely manner to everyone.
To all our teachers for your positive approach, work ethic and support of each other during challenging times.
To all our parents, thanks for your understanding and support with Remote learning and the difficult times while we were in during lockdown.
To our wonderful students, who showed such courage, resilience and patience during this year.
We are all looking forward to a break this year. I'm looking forward to spending time with the family and seeing my two beautiful Grandson's.
Wishing you have a Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2022.
"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
and the warmth of Christmas grant you love".
Take care,
Paula.